Baked Cheesecake using just one 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese

I searched the web high and low for a recipe for a baked cheesecake that used just one 8 oz. package of cream cheese and no sour cream and there just aren't many to choose from. Most traditional recipes call for a minimum of 3 packages of cream cheese and the one's that do call for just one are usually no-bake or contian sour cream. I combined a couple of recipes and came up with this one. This recipe makes a small cheesecake that is just the right size and is nice and creamy and not too dense.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Crust:

1.5 cups of graham cracker crumbs or ritz cracker crumbs

1/2 stick of butter or margarine, melted

Combine crumbs and butter and press into a buttered 8 inch pie plate or a small spring form pan. If you use the spring form pan, line the bottom with parchment or wax paper first.

You could also use a store bought graham cracker crust.

Cake:

1 - 8 ounce pkg. cream cheese - room temp.

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/8 cup corn starch

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup half n half or milk

2 eggs - room temp.

dash of salt

In a medium or large bowl beat cream cheese till fluffy. Add lemon juice, vanilla and salt and mix till blended. Add corn starch, sugar and half n half and mix well. Add eggs one at a time until well blended. Pour into crust.

If you are using the spring form pan, wrap the bottom of the pan in foil and place into a baking dish, then add hot water to the baking pan till about half way up the side of the cake pan. If you are using a regular pie pan place a pan of water in the oven with your cake when you bake it and it will less likely crack when baking.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes until golden on top. Your cake should not jiggle when done. Set cake on wire rack and allow to cool for one hour, then cover with foil and refrigerate at least 4 hours, but best over night.
If you are using the spring form pan refrigerate the cake in the pan. Do not remove from the pan while the cake is still warm.